Avengers Tower was especially quiet that afternoon.
Steve had gone to the training grounds, Natasha was sorting through mission files, Doctor Banner was practicing yogic breathing, and Tony still hadn't emerged from his lab.
-It was the perfect time to sneak some snacks.
Clint crept into the kitchen, crouching low, the unerring archer's sharp gaze sweeping the room.
Good. Nobody here.
He tiptoed over to the fridge and reached precisely into the back of the top shelf-that was where he had hidden his caramel cheesecake under cover of darkness the night before, along with several delicious doughnuts.
There hadn't been many missions lately, and with New York's richest man bankrolling them, their daily lives had become downright decadent.
They had been eating far too many sugary, fatty snacks. The others, who exercised more restraint, were doing fine, but Tony's health readings had started flashing warning signs, and Clint's waistline had expanded too. After looking at their medical reports, Pepper had begun limiting their daily intake of sweets. Even Clint's beloved peanut butter, cheese, and popcorn had to be rationed.
What joy was there in life without good food?
Clint gingerly opened the box, and a rich, sweet aroma immediately filled his nose. All the trouble he had taken to evade J.A.R.V.I.S.'s surveillance system and smuggle it in last night had been worth it.
Clint picked up a fork, ready to savor this irresistible treat all by himself.
"Clint?"
Clint froze in fright, hastily hid the cake behind his back, and turned to find Miaomiao standing in the kitchen doorway, her eyes fixed on the hand tucked behind him.
"Haha, it's you, Miaomiao. Weren't you taking a nap?" Clint gave an awkward laugh.
"I slept a little too long last night, so I couldn't fall asleep."
As Miaomiao spoke, she kept